A MAN with multiple sclerosis (MS) is taking on a wheelchair challenge around his local park to raise funds for two East Lothian charities.

Iain Donaldson-Elder, 58, a former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil, was born at the Honest Toun’s former maternity hospital at Lewisvale Park but now lives in Dunfermline.

He is hoping his wheelchair roll throughout August – a “small homage” to charity fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore – will raise £1,000 for Leuchie House respite centre near North Berwick and the Tranent-based Walk With Scott Foundation.

Iain is being accompanied on his charity initiative – Rolling Around The Rex – by his wife Janet, known as Jaz, from Prestonpans.

She attended Preston Lodge High School with the late Scott Glynn, of Port Seton, who founded the Walk With Scott Foundation, which raises funds for local charities and community projects.

Also joining Iain’s challenge is his carer Sheryl Knotman.

They rolled and walked 40,552 steps, or 19.2 miles, in the first six days around hilly Rex Park in Dunfermline, increasing this daily and with the journey recorded on a pedometer.

They are preparing to celebrate their last lap next Monday (August 31), averaging about three miles a day.

Iain, a former recruitment consultant, who was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2009, enjoys respite breaks at Leuchie House, which he described as “his spiritual home”.

He said: “These two wonderful charities do so much good both for their community and, in Leuchie’s case, nationally.”

Following his diagnosis, Iain has supported several charities, raising funds for Leuchie House and the Walk With Scott Foundation since 2017.

His challenges have included a skydive in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, which helps people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

Jaz braved a head shave for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, and the couple have held various events, such as car boot sales, to help animal causes.

Iain undertook a microlight flight in 2018 in aid of Leuchie and, last year, the couple raised more than £3,400 for the Walk With Scott Foundation and Leuchie with a wheel-

chair roll and walk of 91.4 miles around Rex Park for their charity challenge, 31 Days Wifey And A Wheelchair.

Speaking about Rolling Around The Rex, Iain said: “I will be wheelchairing 100 miles around my local park over the 31 days of August come rain or come shine.

“To an able-bodied person, 100 miles over 31 days is not a huge challenge, but to a wheelchair user, not really in the best of shape, 100 miles is like climbing Everest.”

He added: “Our target this year is £1,000. With Covid-19 and people struggling, it is difficult for people to give when they need all their pennies.

“Every penny counts – lots of little amounts add up to a large amount.”

To donate to Iain’s Virgin Money Giving page, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IainElder

To keep up-to-date with his challenge, visit the Rolling Around the Rex Facebook page.